Mine (General Hospital)

Chapter 2: Suing

April 3rd 2019

     "Hurry, hurry." Alexis moans, running her nails down Julian's back. "Julian, hurry. We're gonna be late for court."
     "Just a minute. Just a minute." He grunts, his breath getting shallow. His phone starts to ring. He lets out a long, almost breathless moan.
     Alexis relishes for a moment, but grabs his phone. "It's Ava."
     He's quick to take it and answer. "Av, are you okay?"
     "I'm fine. I was just calling to see if you're really for the custody hearing."
     "Yeah, Av, I'll see you in a little while." He hangs up and rolls his eyes.

Later

     "I can't thank you enough for this, Ms. Dawson." Julian repeats, shaking Margaux's hand. "I really do owe you more than I can ever repay."
     "Consider this my IOU for letting us use Charlie's to catch that human trafficker. You helped us save a lot of girls." Margaux says, squeezing his hand. "The least I can do is help you have a part in your baby's life."
     Alexis comes over and wraps her arms around Julian's waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. "It's not every day you see a district attorney involved in a child custody case."
     "It's not every day we see a lawyer as skilled as you on the sidelines."
     "Well, we didn't want any conflict of interest, considering I'm his girlfriend and all." Alexis holds Julian tighter.
     "Lex, you're digging my belt buckle into my belly button."
     "Sorry." She says, letting go.
     The hearing starts and Julian takes the stand. "Mr. Jerome," the judge starts, "can you tell us what you're hoping for by coming here today?"
     "Yes, your honor. I recently learned that Ms. Spencer is expecting my baby. All I'm asking for is to split custody evenly, fifty fifty. Though I've only known about the baby for a month and it's just the second trimester, I already have so much love for my child. I just want to be a part of their life, to be able to be their father as actively as Ms. Spencer is their mother. I was robbed of my chance to raise my two oldest children, at no fault of my own, and younger was taken from me by his mother in a less than legal way. My children are the most important things in the world to me, this one included. I just want the chance to be their father. That's all, your honor."
     "Thank you, Mr. Jerome, that was a very nice sentiment. Ms. Spencer, would you like to come speak?" The judge asks.
     Carly nods and takes the stand. "Why was this madman even entertained with a hearing? He's a convicted felon. He's a mob boss, a murdered, and frankly a terrorist. My son died because of him. His daughter was pushed off a bridge and gave birth in the cold because of him. He held a knife to his wife's throat. His own child is here against him. The only reason the mother of his younger son isn't here is because the terms of their son's custody arrangement is soon and she doesn't want to rock the boat. He has a two year old granddaughter that he's never met because he's such a danger to his family."
     "At least all my kids are still alive and none have ever been shot in the head." Julian blurts out.
     "You bastard. Say that to me when we aren't in court and see what happens!"
     "You gonna slap me again? Wouldn't be the first, wouldn't even be the fourth time."
     "At least never faked my death to get out of trouble."
     "I've never been committed to a mental hospital."
     "You're a piece of shit!"
     "Stop it, or I'll hold you both in contempt." The judge threatens. "What I pulled away from that is you've assaulted Mr. Jerome on multiple occasions, Ms. Spencer, then you threatened him. I've seen Mr. Jerome's criminal record, and I must say, it has almost nothing that I actually care about. I've also seen your records. I'm sorry, Ms. Spencer, but going off those alone, I'm almost convinced that Mr. Jerome deserves full custody. Can you think of anything else to say to change my mind?"
     "All my children actually like me."
     "Your honor, may I speak?" Julian asks. The judge nods. "If all your family love you so much, than where is your son Michael? What about your step-kids? Kristina is sitting behind me and Avery is being raised by her nanny. Not to mention your brother, whose also sitting behind me. Your own mother isn't here. I don't see a husband or boyfriend with you. Face it, beside your daughter, your guard dog, and a spiteful, ungrateful girl, you have no one. Your normal lawyer wouldn't even represent you. You've driven everyone away."
     "Mr. Jerome, that's enough. I've heard enough of this squabbling. Let's pretend we're in court now."

Later

     "I think I've heard enough to determine that for the time being it's in the best interest of the child for both parents to have equal custody." The judge declares, hitting his gavel. "Ms. Spencer, I urge you to take care of yourself. If anything happens to the baby, Mr. Jerome is well within his rights to sue and possibly bring criminal charges against you."
     Julian hugs Margaux then turns and catches Alexis. "I did it. I'm gonna get to raise my child."
     Carly grits her teeth. "You won't get away with this, Julian. I swear."

Even Later

     "You know, Ava, if you take another trip to the bathroom today you get a free one." Julian teases, laughing to himself and looking across the hall. A face catches his eye, making him tense. When the woman with him turns the corner, he lets out a breath. "Hello Dr. Collins, hello Mayor Spencer."
     Kevin and Laura look at each other and move to Julian. "Why are you lurking outside the womans' bathroom?" Laura asks.
     "I'm waiting for my sister. She's only six weeks but she needs the bathroom like she's two years pregnant."
     Ava comes out of the bathroom. She moves against Julian, trying to not look Kevin in the eyes. "Are you here giving statements?"
     "Actually we're here to speak to a judge." Kevin says. "You've been served." He holds out an envelope for Ava to take.
     She does, opening it and reading some. An anger fills her eyes. "You're suing me for custody of my child? You have no right to them."
     "I'm that baby's uncle." Kevin states.
     "So am I." Julian replies, getting between them. "You're not getting this kid. No judge would ever say that this is best for the baby, even if you are the major. You didn't even realize that your husband wasn't the same man. You're no more fit to raise this kid than Ava is, but she's their mother. You have no basis for this."
     "Julian," Ava whimpers, leaning against him, "something's wrong."
     "I got you, Av." He puts his hand on her side, letting her use him for balance. "Rot in Hell, both of you."

Later

     "She's fine." Kim says, walking out to the waiting area to where Julian's been waiting. "She's just nervous and nauseous. She's convinced she's going to be seriously sick and made you her medical proxy."
     "Her proxy? She's crazy. Okay, fine. What's going on with her?" He asks.
     "She's going to have a difficult pregnancy, because she's expecting triplets."
     "Triplets? Oh my God." Julian sits back down, rubbing his face. "Thanks for telling me. Did you tell her yet?"
     "No, she was a little too worked up and ended up falling asleep. You should go spend some time with her."
     "I will, thank you." He goes into Ava's room, sitting next to her bed, touching her cheek. "Wakey wakey, Ava."
     She smacks him. "Don't wake me up, you little bitch."
     "Av, it's me, Julian."
     "I know, you woke me up. I'm tired, and pregnant."
     "Yeah, I know. I have news from Kim."
     "She's not pregnant, is she?"
     "News about you. Ava, you're not expecting a baby. You're expecting three. Triplets."
     Her head falls back on the pillow. "Three baby serial killers. Some couples try for years and spend thousands on one baby, I was raped and now I have three. I just it's three girls. I don't want to bring a single mini Ryan into the world."
     "Av, even if you do have a boy, or two, or three, they'll all be amazing. All of them will be amazing. All three. Ava, Kiki was an amazing young woman, and Avery is already such a sweet little girl. Your daughters, and no doubt any sons that could happen, will all be the kindest, most thoughtful, good-hearted children. Because you, with all your faults, are still a good person. You have a good heart, Ava."
    She wipes her cheeks and wraps her arms around his neck. "I love you, Julie. You're the most amazing brother I could've asked for."
     There's a soft knock on the door. "Ah, that's a special guest. Come on in, dear."
     Avery opens the door slowly. She smiles at her mother and runs to her, throwing herself on her arms. "Hi, Mommy. Uncle Julian said you were sick."
     "I'm not feeling great, but I have you now. Oh, baby, I have such good news for you. You're going to have three little siblings. And a little cousin too."
     "Three?"
     "Yeah, I'm having triplets. Three babies at once."
     "Wow. That's so cool." Avery beams.
     Julian rubs her head and heads outside. "Grace, wait up. You're not Grace?"
     Sonny turns around. "I was gonna sneak away."
     "Why'd you bring her yourself?"
     "Kristina told me what you said about Avery being raised by a nanny and you're right. I changed my schedule around so I can spend more time with her. I'll go wait in the cafe until Ava's had her time."
     "Thank you, Sonny, you're being surprisingly kind."
     "Ava was raped less than two months ago. Even I know when to put aside the past."
     Julian nods. "Thank you."